Color Me Rose!
By Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS

By now you are probably aware of the dangers of sunburns and excessive tanning. Certainly my patients know it! The statistics and facts speak for themselves and these can be reviewed by reading our 4-part series "The Long and Short of Sun Protection" in our newsletter section on our Web site.

In Part 2 of this newsletter series, I wrote about a patient of mine that owned her own tanning bed and tanned daily. At a young age, she had severe sun damage with uneven blotchy areas of increased pigmentation. I ended the newsletter by saying "Color me pale." This was somewhat of an error, as I should have said "Color me rose."

It wasn't long before I saw this patient's mother. Sure enough, another tanning addict! We started her mother on the Obagi Nu-Derm System Daily Regimen and she became very concerned as she was losing her tan. "I look terrible without color" she told me. I proceeded to explain to her how the tretinoin or Vitamin A (which is a part of the Obagi Nu-Derm System Daily Regimen) creates the formation of new blood vessels around the collagen layer (neovascularity).¹ The formation of new blood vessels showing through the skin will cause the skin to have more of a rosy appearance. Yes, she will lose her tan, but it will be replaced by a healthy, radiant appearance. She will in addition have a thickening of the collagen layer which results in a loss of some of the fine wrinkles. As an added bonus, she will not need to use makeup or blush. As she loses her tan, the skin does become paler. Following this, the skin color is rose. So the new saying is "Color me Rose!"

P.S. This patient was not convinced and discontinued the program!

For patients who are willing to stick with an advanced skincare program, the benefits of healthy, radiant skin are an excellent substitute for the tanned skin that people misconceive as being healthy!

Before Hyperpigmentation of nose, upper lip and above eyebrows.	After A rosy radiant glow after 10 week follow-up of Obagi Nu-Derm Products. Paitent without makeup.

I have mentioned many times that patients and customers should use the products that work best for them. We attempt to give guidance on our Web site and through our educational emails; however, we cannot diagnose and treat as we do for our own patients. The MD Forte Advanced Skin Care Program and the Obagi Nu-Derm System work quite well. Supplements with Vitamin C, products that contain Vitamin A, skin lightening creams or gels , Kinerase cream or lotion , and eye creams can enhance an existing skin care regimen. Each product has specific indications for use as described on our Web site. If you have any question or if there is any confusion, we welcome your e-mails or telephone calls.